Hiking sandals are perfect for those looking to traipse about the woods letting their toes drink in the wild air. In warm weather climates and temperate zones throughout the United States, May to September offers mild temperatures in a majority of the lower 48. For those who haven’t hiked in sandals, it’s worth trying out.
Hiking boots and even trail running shoes can be clunky and heavy. They are more difficult to pack and clean. Sturdy hiking sandals are a fantastic option for those checking thru-hikes, multi-day backpacking trips, and multi-sport adventures off their bucket lists this summer.
Table of Contents
- 1 When do I wear hiking sandals?
- 2 Can I pack hiking sandals on a thru-hike?
- 3 How do I choose hiking sandals?
- 4 Best Overall Hiking Sandals
- 5 Runner-Up
- 6 Best Sandals from Day to Night
- 7 Best High-End Sandals
- 8 Most Comfortable Sandals
- 9 Best Sandals for Mixed or Rocky Terrain
- 10 Best Lightweight Sandals
- 11 Best Bang For Your Buck Sandals
- 12 Best Wet-Climate Hiking Sandals
- 13 Hiking Sandals You Can Run In
- 14 Most Nontraditional Hiking Sandal
- 15 Best Sandals for a Suitcase
- 16 Quick Recommendations
- 17 Buyers Guide to the Best Hiking Sandals for Women What Makes a Great Adventure Sandal?
- 18 Benefits of Hiking in Sandals
- 19 Cons of Hiking in Sandals
- 20 Hiking Sandals vs. Hiking Boots & Hiking Shoes
When do I wear hiking sandals?
You could wear hiking sandals whenever you want. Plenty of outdoor enthusiasts who live in temperate climates enjoy hiking in sandals year-round and maybe pair their Chacos with warm, wool socks should temps dip below freezing.
Ideally, most people choose to wear hiking sandals for spring, summer, and fall walks in the woods, on the beach, or in the mountains. You could even wear sandals in the alpine if they offered toe and midsole protection. Hikes with water crossings or in wet, soggy marshland are perfect places to strap on a pair of hiking sandals and hit the trail. The outdoor market boasts a wide variety of hiking sandals, so you could really find a pair to suit most situations.
From picking your way across wet rocks to logging hundreds of miles in the backcountry, hiking sandals will make your feet happy, no matter the adventure.
Can I pack hiking sandals on a thru-hike?
Many experienced hikers swear by sandals around for outdoor adventures. After a long day in hiking boots, your feet will be thankful for a breather. Packing sandals on a thru-hike is also helpful because you’ll have a backup should something happen to your hiking boots. Remember in WILD when Elizabeth Gilbert throws her boots down the cliff in frustration? It wouldn’t have been such a big deal if she had hiking sandals.
How do I choose hiking sandals?
When choosing a pair of hiking sandals, you’ll want to begin by figuring out what you like. Have you had a pair of sandals before that you loved or hated? Incorporate that into your decision. If you know a certain type of closure, clasp, or fabric irritates your feet, eliminate those from the equation no matter how nice they look. You’ll also want to consider the type of terrain you’ll be tackling to ensure your hiking sandal is rugged and durable enough to get you through. We’ve included an in-depth buyers guide at the end of the article to help you get started.
Continue reading to see our review of the best hiking sandals for women. Click here to see our review of the best hiking sandals for men.
Best Overall Hiking Sandals
Chaco Z/Cloud 2
Technical Specifications
- Price: $110
- Material: rubber and nylon
- Weight: 1.8 lbs
- Style: open toe, hook and loop closure, adjustable straps
What we love
Chaco has long made reliable outdoor sandals and over the years, the company has almost perfected its products. The Chaco Z/Cloud 2 received first place because of its superior design and quality. The thick footbed offers great arch support and the burly rubber is durable enough for all terrain types.
What we don’t
The toe straps are reported to tighten while walking, demanding periodic adjustments. The toe strap also prohibits the comfortable wearing of socks should one choose to don warmer clothing at night. Compared to other hiking sandals on the market, Chachos are notoriously heavy and don’t pack down well due to the thick rubber sole. However, they aren’t so heavy they are prohibitive and the extra weight is due to the extra protection and support they offer your footbed.
Product Overview/Review:
The Chaco Z/Cloud 2 fits most feet well and was designed to handle uneven terrain and days on the river. This multi-sport sandal offers a grippy sole with ample traction, even on slick surfaces. The cushioned underfoot helps support the legs and back, minimizing stiffness and soreness even after long days traipsing over trails. Plus, Chaco always releases fun new colors so you can find something to complement your backpack.
Runner-Up
Teva Tirra Sandal
Technical Specifications
- Price: $79
- Material: vegan
- Weight: 18 oz
- Style: open toe, hook-and-loop closure
What we love
We love that the Teva Tirra Sandals are vegan and recyclable. They are also made with recycled polyester webbing, which aids in keeping one plastic bottle per pair out of a landfill.
What we don’t
Because of the shoe’s shape, they aren’t a great option for individuals with flat feet or minimal arches. The Tirra sandals support arches well but can strain flat feet.
Product Overview/Review:
The sandal offers a contoured EVA midsole for added arch support. Since this product is made with 100% synthetic material, it’s suitable for those who are choosing a vegan lifestyle. The cushioned and trademarked Shoc Pad absorbs each heel strike to lessen stiffness and soreness in the joints. Feet can cruise through rough terrain because of the sandal’s versatility, thanks in large part to the nylon fabric throughout the body of the sandal.
Teva’s recycling program, TevaForever, accepts all styles of used Teva sandals.
Best Sandals from Day to Night
Teva Hurricane Verge
Technical Specifications
- Price: $85
- Material: rubber and nylon
- Style: open-toe, buckle ankle closure, adjustable straps
What we love
These sandals are super stylish and come in awesome colors. They are stylish enough for nighttime hangs but rugged and padded enough for trail adventures.
What we don’t
The sole is more of a platform-style which can lead to instability when on uneven surfaces. Those with weak ankles or with less experience hiking over rocky terrain may risk an injury if they don’t exercise a bit more caution.
Product Overview/Review:
The Hurricane Verge fits snugly on most feet with its adjustable toe and ankle straps. A grippy sole helps hikers stick to slick surfaces like wet or icy rocks and trails. Many hikers feel more agile because of the secure attachment this sandal provides. This sandal runs true to size and offers reassurance around the foot arch. The Teva Hurricane Verge is comfortable, fashionable, and functional.
Best High-End Sandals
ECCO Women’s Anniversary Sandals
Technical Specifications
- Price: $135
- Material: leather, neoprene, rubber
- Style: open-toe, velcro, adjustable straps
What we love
This sandal is ECCO’s 10th-anniversary edition making it unique and colorful. We love that this sandal has a personality all its own and you’ll be hard-pressed to find another hiking shoe like it.
What we don’t
The price tag is a little steep and this sandal requires meticulous care if you want to get the most life out of it. ECCO does offer cleaning products with sandals to keep the leather soft and supple.
Product Overview/Review:
ECCO uses science-backed evidence to design its footwear ensuring that its customers are supported and satisfied with each product, including the ECCO Women’s Anniversary Sandal. Its lightweight, molded EVA footbed provides ample support but doesn’t weigh the foot down, like other sandals on this list are likely to do. The durable rubber outsole provides ample grip and excellent traction on all surfaces. Customers are extremely happy with this shoe and many are on their third or fourth pair. If you can splurge, this may be the best sandal you’ve ever owned.
Most Comfortable Sandals
Teva Verra Sandal
Technical Specifications
- Price: $70
- Material: synthetic, textile, and rubber
- Style: open-toe, hook-and-loop closure, adjustable straps
What we love
These sandals are ultra-comfortable and make us feel like we’re walking on clouds. The supple leather and soft fabric of the Verra Sandals don’t require much breaking in.
What we don’t
Compared to other sandals on the market, the Teva Verra isn’t going to win any style awards. They come in only three colors and aren’t noteworthy in the aesthetics department.
Product Overview/Review:
The Teva Verra Sandal sports nylon shanks, a contoured EVA foam midsole, and Teva’s trademarked Shoc Pad cushioning in the heels. These sandals are designed to be super comfortable, no matter where you walk. They make a wonderful hiking sandal because of the rubber outsoles that offer excellent traction and microban zinc-based antimicrobial treatment. You can get down and dirty with these sandals on tough hiking trails or you can utilize them when touring a new city.
Best Sandals for Mixed or Rocky Terrain
KEEN Whisper Sandals
Technical Specifications
- Price: $119
- Material: polyester and rubber
- Weight: 17 oz
- Style: close toe, slip on.
What we love
KEEN consistently makes reliable footwear that is both protective and comfortable. The Whisper Sandals are no different. They support the foot, increasing confidence on all sorts of dynamic, rough terrain.
What we don’t
Because of the shoe’s upper construction, the Whisper sandals aren’t as packable as a more minimalist shoe.
Product Overview/Review:
The secure fit of the KEEN whisper sandal is perfect for most all foot shapes and footbeds. The nylon mesh lining is quick-drying giving this sandal more moisture control than competitors. An elastic 1-pull lacing system and cordlocks keep the foot safe and secure in the footbed while making these shoes easy to take off and on. Toe guards protect toes from sharp rocks, branches, and other debris on the trail.
Best Lightweight Sandals
Northside Covina Comfort Sandal
Technical Specifications
- Price: $45
- Material: Rubber sole and nylon
- Style: open toe, adjustable hook/loop
What we love
The Northside Covina Comfort sandal provides support without weighing the foot down. We love how airy and easy these sandals are. They are comfortable, packable, and portable.
What we don’t
They wouldn’t be great for multiple days hiking in the backcountry over hard terrain. They are pretty open and lightweight, as their name would suggest. Don’t try to take them where they aren’t meant to go.
Product Overview/Review:
The Covina sandal sports a lightweight compression-molded footbed which is both comfortable and springy. An adjustable heel loop makes the Covina a great choice for a variety of foot shapes and sandal preferences. Thin webbing holds in the forefoot while the flexible upper sports moisture-wicking material in a cool and functional design. Water-resistant construction makes this sandal a versatile option for days that deal with the unexpected hand.
Best Bang For Your Buck Sandals
Teva Original Universe
Technical Specifications
- Price: $55
- Material: recycled plastic and rubber
- Weight: 0.84 lbs
- Style: open-toe, velcro closure
What we love
The Teva Original is a no-frills retro-style sandal with an approachable price tag. The simplistic design and cool patterns make this sandal perfect for many occasions including on the trail or out on the town.
What we don’t
Because they are pretty minimalistic, the Teva Original Universe open-toe sandals won’t be your best friend on tough trails. It can carry you over groomed trails and dirt single tracks but won’t hold up well to rough terrain, high alpine scrambling, or slick river crossings.
Product Overview/Review:
The Teva Original Universe is a comfortable, minimalist, affordable hiking sandal that protects the soles of your feet without offering too much bulk in the shoe’s upper. It gets the job done without much fuss, however, hiking all day in these sandals without first breaking them in could leave you with blisters. The footbed is plush and provides moderate shock absorption. Sandal fiends looking to stock their closet with fun patterns should check out all that Teva has to offer with this shoe.
Best Wet-Climate Hiking Sandals
KEEN Clearwater CNX
Technical Specifications
- Price: $125
- Material: nylon, polyester, rubber
- Style: close-toe, slip-on
What we love
This shoe was made for humid, wet climates. Hiking in the Pacific Northwest or off the coast of Florida is bound to be a soggy adventure. Many hiking sandals wouldn’t be up for the task and many hiking shoes would get wet and start to grow uncomfortable, quickly. The KEEN Clearwater CNX was designed with these climates in mind and features quick-drying fabric and a grippy outsole.
What we don’t
There isn’t a ton of support in the footbed insoles so feet may grow weary after a long day wandering in these shoes. Added inserts could provide relief one is looking for if they want to wear these shoes for long stretches over hard terrain.
Product Overview/Review:
The KEEN CNX was designed with coastal walkers and water sports enthusiasts in mind. Following the shoreline, investigating tide pools, or traipsing over cliff walks like those found in Oregon and Washington can easily be accomplished in these hiking sandals. Additionally, water sports like rafting, kayaking, or fishing require sturdy footwear. The Clearwater CNX sandals are up for the task. The lightweight, open design allows for breathability and evaporation should shoes get wet. The adjustable elastic closure and cordlock ensure these hikers fit most feet extremely well and help hikers feel secure in the footbed. The Clearater CNX sandals are true to size and customer reviews report excellent grip on wet rocks.
Hiking Sandals You Can Run In
Hoka One One Hopara
Technical Specifications
- Price: $135
- Material: rubber, synthetic material, textiles
- Weight: 20.2 oz
- Style: tennis-shoe like, close-toed, lace-up
What we love
We love the supportive nature of all Hoka shoes, including this hybrid sandal. This running sandal has a high level of comfort and is a great option for those preventing or recovering from an injury.
What we don’t
These shoes are bulky. The comfort they provide is created in large part by a platform sole and extra cushion throughout the footbed. They won’t pack down at all and can take up a lot of space in your backpack or luggage, should you want to travel with them.
Product Overview/Review:
Runners seeking a resilient, comfortable water-resistant shoe can relish in the thoughtful design of the Hoka One One Hopara. While they are pricier than most other options on this list, if you have any sort of knee, back, or joint pain, these sandals you can run in might be your saving grace.
Most Nontraditional Hiking Sandal
Chacho Lowdown
Technical Specifications
- Price: $85
- Material: rubber and nylon, vegan
- Style: no toe strap, heel closure
What we love
Chaco has designed a minimalist sandal that still offers all the best of the company’s more traditional hiking sandals, without the bulk. The sandal is stylish, easy to wear, easy to adjust, and comes in a lot of fun patterns.
What we don’t
The lack of a toe-strap allows the foot to move around more than other sandals. When walking through wet terrain, the foot is apt to slide around a bit more because of the lack of secure closures.
Product Overview/Review:
The versatility of Chaco’s Lowdown sandal is what makes it a nontraditional hiking sandal. At first glance, one might not think it fits the trails, however, they can handle most tough tracks without being heavy, bulky, or clunky. The supportive, cushioned footbed absorbs heel and toe strikes, minimizing joint pain at the end of a long day walking on uneven terrain. The rubber Chaco outsole offers excellent traction on most terrain.
Best Sandals for a Suitcase
Bedrock Cairn 3D Adventure
Technical Specifications
- Price: $115
- Material: polyester and nylon
- Weight: 17 oz
- Style: open-toe, minimalist
What we love
This sandal is so easy to bring on any trip because of its low-profile design. The Bedrock Cairn 3D Adventure packs down and can fit into the side pocket of most backpacks.
What we don’t
They don’t offer a ton of foot protection because of the minimalist design. The entire upper sandal is created with just a few straps that close with a velcro heel strap and hook-and-loop closure at the midfoot.
Product Overview/Review:
The Bedrock Cairn 3D is a minimalist hiking sandal that prioritizes fast and light movement over security. The Vibram sole offers a protective, supportive cushion for longer treks while the 17oz scale reading means that these shoes are a fantastic option to back for overnights. The unisex design is sleek and eye-catching, which allows the sandals to pair well with evening looks and hiking attire. What’s more, Bedrock gives 1% back to the planet, making the Cairn 3D Adventure a sandal you can feel good about investing in.
Quick Recommendations
- Best stylish hiking sandals: Columbia Sandal
- Easy to Pack Sandals: Eddie Bauer No Flop Flip
- Best packable hiking sandals: Xero Z Trail EV Sandals
- Best Convertible hiking sandals: Terran Convertible II
- Best All-Purpose Hiking sandals: KEEN Newport H2
- Dress-worthy Sandals: Merrell Bravada Backstrap Sandal
Buyers Guide to the Best Hiking Sandals for Women What Makes a Great Adventure Sandal?
Sizing
Before setting off on an adventure, make sure your hiking sandals fit your feet. Consider your foot shape and your favorite pair of athletic shoes. Do they have a wide toe box, padded soles, or adjustable closures? Fit and feel is personal preference and you’ll want to make sure you get what feels great on your foot, not anyone else’s.
Traction
What type of terrain are you planning on checking out? Coastal walks vary greatly from forested single-track dirt trails. What works well in one environment may not be necessary for another. Try to narrow your hiking bucket list down to a few specific types of terrain in which you’ll probably want sandals, and go from there. Sandals with rubber outsoles and added grip provide excellent traction on most surfaces.
Socks
All-weather hiking can require socks from time to time to time. If you want to wear socks with your sandals, you’ll certainly be a trend-setter and have warm feet around the campfire. However, you’ll also want to consider avoiding certain elements in the hiking sandal you select – like a toe strap.
Material
You know what materials you prefer but consider these materials concerning the terrain you’ll be trekking. Wet, muddy, or tropical terrain may be tough for leather sandals to tackle. Whereas those with foot issues like plantar fasciitis may want a thicker, platform sole and rubberized arch support.
Toe Hold
Novice hikers or those new to traversing in an open shoe may want to select a style with more straps or secure closures. Figure out how you’ll feel stable and confident on uneven, wet, or rocky terrain and decide if a toe hold will be helpful or hindering.
Adjustability
Feet can swell depending on the weather, mileage, or even diet over the course of days. Thru-hikers know this truth all too well but beginning woodsmen and women may want to find a style with multiple adjustment points to allow for changes in your foot size. Individuals with wide foot may want to find a sandal with more adjustability and a wide footbed.
Weight
If you plan to travel with your hiking sandals, you’ll want to consider the weight of each shoe. During multi day backcountry trips, every ounce counts.
Benefits of Hiking in Sandals
Sandals inherently allow breathability and flexibility. During warm months or in wet climates, sandals can be better than hiking boots or trail shoes. Hiking sandals are easy to travel with and are often more versatile than a sturdy boot. You can wear them both on and off the trail. Hiking sandals are more adjustable to fit various foot shapes than hiking boots. With certain points of adjustments, one can keep their foot in place while eliminating pinch points.
Cons of Hiking in Sandals
Your feet are offered less protection against rocks, roots, and branches. Many hiking sandals offer more protection than minimalist designs but these still have weak points. Sandals won’t keep your feet as warm as hiking boots will and wouldn’t be great in the snow, ice, or slush.
Hiking Sandals vs. Hiking Boots & Hiking Shoes
Consider the time, weather, and terrain when shopping for a hiking sandal. Multi-day hikes or alpine adventures may demand a hiking boot for safety, whereas easy, day-long treks are a better fit for a sandal. It’s all about personal preference and what you feel most comfortable and confident wearing on the terrain you hike in.
Build out your gear closet by adding a pair of women’s hiking sandals. Your feet and toes will thank you when summer comes along.
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